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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Camden
All construction work must comply with NJ Uniform Construction Code. Permits required for all work except ordinary repairs and minor work.
Ordinary repairs as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.7 (painting, wallpapering, replacement glass, interior trim, flooring material under 25% of room area)
Minor work as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.17A (porches, stoops without roof support, interior alterations without structural changes); permit required but work may proceed before issuance
Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less without utilities
Fences 6 feet or less in height (except pool barriers)
Temporary structures under 120 sq ft for less than 180 days
- Exempt Ordinary repairs as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.7 (painting, wallpapering, replacement glass, interior trim, flooring material under 25% of room area)
- Exempt Minor work as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.17A (porches, stoops without roof support, interior alterations without structural changes); permit required but work may proceed before issuance
- Exempt Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less without utilities
- Exempt Fences 6 feet or less in height (except pool barriers)
- Exempt Temporary structures under 120 sq ft for less than 180 days
Note: All construction work must comply with NJ Uniform Construction Code. Confirm edge cases with Building Bureau before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed NJ DCA permit application forms (F100 and applicable subcodes)
- Construction plans per NJ UCC requirements
- Project scope information
- Applicant/owner acknowledgements
- Contractor registration proof with NJ Division of Consumer Affairs
- Building code
- NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC) per NJAC 5:23
- Permit validity
- 12 months from the date of last inspection if work is started.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may perform work on single-family dwellings.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors performing construction work must be registered with NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Plan review period typically 10-20 business days depending on application complexity.
- 01 Download permit application forms from Camden City website Construction and Building Bureau page.
- 02 Complete NJ DCA UCC application forms (Form F100 and applicable subcode forms F110, F120, F130, F140).
- 03 Prepare required construction plans and supporting documentation.
- 04 Submit application and all supporting documents via email to Construction Official.
- 05 Applications are reviewed for compliance with NJ Uniform Construction Code.
- 06 Permit is issued upon approval and payment of applicable fees.
- 07 Obtain permit before beginning any construction work.
Typical processing time: Plan review period typically 10-20 business days depending on application complexity.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Camden building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Contact Building Bureau at 856-757-7032 for current fee schedule. Fees based on NJ UCC fee schedule with municipal modifications.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 856-757-7032 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-hour advance notice required for all inspections.
- Inspection hours
- Contact Building Bureau for available hours.
- Time windows
- Contact Building Bureau for available inspection windows.
Typical sequence: Building Bureau conducts all required inspections. Final inspection required for Certificate of Occupancy. All complaints regarding construction and unsafe structures handled by Building Bureau.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Camden permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Camden, NJ? ▸
All construction work must comply with NJ Uniform Construction Code. Permits required for all work except ordinary repairs and minor work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Camden, NJ? ▸
Building permit fees in Camden, NJ are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Contact Building Bureau at 856-757-7032 for current fee schedule. Fees based on NJ UCC fee schedule with municipal modifications..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Camden, NJ? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Camden, NJ, follow these steps: 1. Download permit application forms from Camden City website Construction and Building Bureau page. 2. Complete NJ DCA UCC application forms (Form F100 and applicable subcode forms F110, F120, F130, F140). 3. Prepare required construction plans and supporting documentation. 4. Submit application and all supporting documents via email to Construction Official. 5. Applications are reviewed for compliance with NJ Uniform Construction Code. 6. Permit is issued upon approval and payment of applicable fees. 7. Obtain permit before beginning any construction work.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Camden, NJ? ▸
Building permit processing times in Camden, NJ typically run Plan review period typically 10-20 business days depending on application complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Camden, NJ? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Camden, NJ. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.7 (painting, wallpapering, replacement glass, interior trim, flooring material under 25% of room area); Minor work as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.17A (porches, stoops without roof support, interior alterations without structural changes); permit required but work may proceed before issuance; Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less without utilities; Fences 6 feet or less in height (except pool barriers); Temporary structures under 120 sq ft for less than 180 days. Note: All construction work must comply with NJ Uniform Construction Code. Confirm edge cases with Building Bureau before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Camden, NJ? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Camden, NJ via: 856-757-7032. 24-hour advance notice required for all inspections..
last verified April 2026
source Construction and Building Bureau ↗
entry id permits/new-jersey/camden/camden-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Construction and Building Bureau before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.